Curly Coated Retriever

A Calm & Affectionate Hunting Dog

Independent, protective, responsive

Curly Coated Retrievers are eager to please, tireless, and active large dogs. These athletic dogs are excellent with children, and love having a job to do. This breed is typically reserved toward strangers if not properly socialized and trained as puppies. Curly Coated Retrievers make great companions for families, hunters, active individuals, and those who enjoy the outdoors. They are brilliant active dogs that love to swim and retrieve, and physical and mental exercise every day.

Understanding their unique needs will help keep them healthy and create a strong bond between the two of you. Explore this page to learn more about the breed’s history, health concerns, characteristics, and care needs.

Ease of training

Affection toward owners

Friendliness toward strangers

Routine Care: Curly Coated Retrievers are a highly active dog with a passion for water. Early and consistent socialization is recommended to prevent shyness or nervousness.

Grooming: Curly Coated Retrievers have an easy care water-resistant coat. Occasional trimming and periodic bathing is all that is required.

Dental: Curly Coated Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!

Ear Care: Clean ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!

Curly Coated Retrievers are not your typical retriever. Calm affection, independence, and a protective nature are characteristics associated with this breed.

Positive Traits:

Excellent family dog, watchdog, and hunting dog

Energetic, active, and athletic

Loves to play games, especially fetch

Intelligent and easy to train

Confident, steady, and fearless

Loving and loyal to her owners

Negative Traits:

Requires vigorous, frequent exercise and space to run

Easily bored if not given something to do, which leads to barking and chewing

Sensitive by nature, a bit slow to mature

Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog

Is a bit “mouthy”—likes to carry and chew things

Can be independent and strong-willed

Whether you are considering adding a new Curly Coated Retriever to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Curly Coated Retriever will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Curly Coated Retriever you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.

The Curly Coated Retriever originated in Britain around 1850 and is the oldest of the retrievers. They were bred as waterfowl retrievers and bird hunters. Curly Coated Retrievers went almost extinct in the early part of the 20th-century and are still a rare breed in the United States. They have a characteristic dark coat of small, tight, water-resistant curls that allows them to withstand cold water and thick underbrush when hunting. The Curly Coated Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 10-13 years.

Consult with a veterinarian if your Curly Coated Retriever shows signs of the following:

Dry heaving or a large, tight, painful abdomen

Blinking, redness, pain or itchiness around the eyes

Cloudiness to eye lens

Increased blinking, extra tears and squinting

Drooping or outward rolling eyelid, red eye(s)

Dilated pupils in daylight, or increased "eye shine" at night

General reluctance to run or play

Any abnormal shaking, trembling, or excessive involuntary tremors

Collapse while exercising

Any new or changing lumps or bumps

Pale gums, labored breathing, weakness, or sudden collapse

Swollen lymph nodes or glands, unexplained weight loss

Lameness with or without swelling

New or changing lumps or bumps, itchy or not

Coughing, fainting episodes, tiring easily

Care

Routine Care: Curly Coated Retrievers are a highly active dog with a passion for water. Early and consistent socialization is recommended to prevent shyness or nervousness.

Grooming: Curly Coated Retrievers have an easy care water-resistant coat. Occasional trimming and periodic bathing is all that is required.

Dental: Curly Coated Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!

Ear Care: Clean ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!

Characteristics

Curly Coated Retrievers are not your typical retriever. Calm affection, independence, and a protective nature are characteristics associated with this breed.

Positive Traits:

Excellent family dog, watchdog, and hunting dog

Energetic, active, and athletic

Loves to play games, especially fetch

Intelligent and easy to train

Confident, steady, and fearless

Loving and loyal to her owners

Negative Traits:

Requires vigorous, frequent exercise and space to run

Easily bored if not given something to do, which leads to barking and chewing

Sensitive by nature, a bit slow to mature

Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog

Is a bit “mouthy”—likes to carry and chew things

Can be independent and strong-willed

Health Concerns

Whether you are considering adding a new Curly Coated Retriever to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Curly Coated Retriever will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Curly Coated Retriever you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.

History

The Curly Coated Retriever originated in Britain around 1850 and is the oldest of the retrievers. They were bred as waterfowl retrievers and bird hunters. Curly Coated Retrievers went almost extinct in the early part of the 20th-century and are still a rare breed in the United States. They have a characteristic dark coat of small, tight, water-resistant curls that allows them to withstand cold water and thick underbrush when hunting. The Curly Coated Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 10-13 years.

Watch Out For

Consult with a veterinarian if your Curly Coated Retriever shows signs of the following:

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